Friday, December 23, 2016

Mela Thirumanancheri Airavateshwarar Temple – Legends

Mela Thirumanancheri Airavateshwarar Temple – Legends

Sage Bharatha receiving Shiva for his Marriage:

Sage
Bharatha, as head priest, conducted the wedding of Lord and Mother at
Tiruvelvikudi and invited them to his place Thirumananjeri. He arranged a grand
reception to the divine couple. Edirkolpaadi is where Shiva, the
bridegroom, was received by Bharatha Maharishi with the Poorna kumbham, when he
arrived for the marriage. Hence, the place is named as Ethirkol Padi. Presently
it is known as Melakoil.

Indra & Iravadham worshipped Shiva here:

Indira
the king of Devas arrogantly neglected the garland presented to him by Sage Durvasa.
The garland was the one offered to Lord Shiva in pujas. His Iravadham
elephant too was equally indifferent as its master. Angry Sage cursed
Indira that his head would be chopped off by a weapon in the hands of Pandya
king. Shocked and trembling, Indira sought the pardon of the sage. The
sage said his crown would fall down saving his head.

Iravadham
came down to earth and wandered among many places worshipping Lord Shiva and
finally got relieved of the curse in this place. As Iravadham worshipped
Lord Shiva here, He is praised as Iravada Easwarar. Indira too got back his
position. As Iravadham worshipped here, the sanctum sanctorum is vast enough
that an elephant can enter in it.